topic Re: Elderly fingernails in Wellness

Elderly fingernails

Seannie — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 14:56:58 GMT

Hi all,

I visit an elderly relative about 3x a year across the country. When there I cut her hair and attempt to cut fingernails as no one else does it. The problem is that apparently skin grows on back of the nails and even if I don't cut short, they bleed.

Any suggestions as to how to cut her nails without causing pain would be greatly appreciated.

TIA, Seannie

Re: Elderly fingernails

IMW — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 15:18:45 GMT

How very kind of you. Maybe soaking the hands in warm soapy water would

soften the skin and nail, or using oil in a soak. This might help the skin to more easily peel away.

Good luck on your mission of loving care.

Re: Elderly fingernails

NickNack — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 15:27:56 GMT

Can she not afford to have someone cut them for her? I took my father to a licensed medical nail technician every four weeks for several years for his toenails. She retired, and we will see a Podiatrist next week. I know there are some medical nail technicians that will come to your home and cut your nails. An Assisted Living or Nursing Home could give you their information.

I'm not sure you can get this straightened out if they aren't regularly trimmed.

Re: Elderly fingernails

Annabellethecat66 — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 15:30:45 GMT

Yes! @IMW is right, it will probably help! You are a wonderful, kind person to do this for a friend! Wish I were 1/2 as kind as you and that there were more kind people (like you) in this world.

The main reason I'm commenting is because I just came from getting a pedicure yesterday (I usually go every 2 weeks with granddaughter....it's 'our thing').

I've watched the professionals. They soak the feet and hands for a few minutes BEFORE they do anything. This softens up the skin so it's 'pliable/workable'. Long ago I asked about this...that's the only reason I know.

I normally don't know zip about such things. I do know there are many here that are way smarter.

I mainly wanted to tell you how wonderful you are for doing this and to keep the thread 'alive' so other's that can offer more advice might see it.

Take care and have a wonderful rest of the week. Fondly, Annabelle/Linda

ps I don't know if it's doable (is that a word) but you could purchase some cuticle cream and apply this AFTER you've soaked her hands/nails. This also will soften up the area you want to work with. Although, make sure any oils or anything that would make the utensils you are using slippery is removed from the nails BEFORE you start.

Re: Elderly fingernails

151949 — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 16:22:09 GMT

Probably the reason they aren't cut as short as you seem to feel they should be cut is because whoever cares for her knows not to cut them so short they bleed. Elderly people have poor circulation and a cut at the distal end of an extremity can be difficult to heal and may get infected - eventually ending up a very serious situation.Nails should NEVER be cut so short they bleed.

Re: Elderly fingernails

LizzieInSRQ — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 16:29:11 GMT

@Annabellethecat66 wrote:
Yes! @IMW is right, it will probably help! You are a wonderful, kind person to do this for a friend! Wish I were 1/2 as kind as you and that there were more kind people (like you) in this world.

The main reason I'm commenting is because I just came from getting a pedicure yesterday (I usually go every 2 weeks with granddaughter....it's 'our thing').

I've watched the professionals. They soak the feet and hands for a few minutes BEFORE they do anything. This softens up the skin so it's 'pliable/workable'. Long ago I asked about this...that's the only reason I know.

I normally don't know zip about such things. I do know there are many here that are way smarter.

I mainly wanted to tell you how wonderful you are for doing this and to keep the thread 'alive' so other's that can offer more advice might see it.

Take care and have a wonderful rest of the week. Fondly, Annabelle/Linda

ps I don't know if it's doable (is that a word) but you could purchase some cuticle cream and apply this AFTER you've soaked her hands/nails. This also will soften up the area you want to work with. Although, make sure any oils or anything that would make the utensils you are using slippery is removed from the nails BEFORE you start.

Annabelle..I think YOU are kind and sweet. What a lovely sincere reply to the lovely sweet OP. 😙

Re: Elderly fingernails

HerRoyaLioness — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 16:55:17 GMT

Sounds like this elderly person has a condition that is not normal and OP clearly said even if she does not cut them short, they bleed.

I can't emphasize enough though that it should be done medically, too risky otherwise.

What a dear you are OP to care about her!

Re: Elderly fingernails

sidsmom — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 17:10:17 GMT

@Seannie

I believe you are talking about the cuticle, yes?

I think several posters are thinking the actual nail plate.

It’s best to push back, but if there’s substantial amt of skin,

it really needs to be trimmed since it will catch & tear.

Is there a chance she is picking at the skin/hangnails?

Nail maintenance should be consistent, but understand this

is a special circumstance.

You’re a good soul for doing this 💚

Re: Elderly fingernails

Seannie — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 17:39:48 GMT

Thank you all SO much! This elderly lady is cared for by her husband in their home. He doesn't cut nails regularly so I suspect when they get long they grow deeper into the finger.

I will soak hands when I am there next time. Meanwhile, I will endeavor to find a medical nail tech in her area. Life is challenging for the elderly bedridden.

Appreciate all of you, Seannie

Re: Elderly fingernails

juperier — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 18:07:05 GMT

@Seannie You're talking about under the free edge/tip of the nail, correct?

First, how wonderful of you to help your relative. Bottom line is that, much as you would like for her to have shorter nails, it simply isn't safe to be drawing blood. As others have indicated, this skin provides a barrier against infection, which can have very serious consequenes. Please trim and/or file her nails long enough that you're not reaching this area.

This is quite likely "normal" for her nails, thus nothing you can do to change it. If there is some abnomality, that needs to be evaluated by a medical professional (probably a dermatologist), with any treatment plan determined by them. Is she a close enough relative that you could suggest being allowed to go to her physician with her next ime she goes and briefly be included in a discussion regarding her spcific nail situation? Wouldn't need to be complex, just examination of her nails, then someone getting back to you with either "normal for her, leave it alone" or "here's what you dan do to hellp?"

Re: Elderly fingernails

BirkiLady — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 21:11:45 GMT

@Seannie Finding someone to do nails is difficult in the best assisted care facility. I've looked and been unable to find someone to help! So, I took care of my mom's nails myself for many years. Toenails was never a problem; a Podiatrist will take care of them and it is paid by Medicare. One of those weird things that isn't included. (Other posters are correct about soaking the finger tips first to soften the cuticles and nailbeds.)

It sounds like your relative may need some In-home Health Care Service. Could you (or your husband) contact her physician and ask for a reference? It would help with hygiene and help her husband, who the primary caregiver. I don't know if Health Care Services ever do a sliding-scale fee, but ask about how they charge and what would be feasible for your relatives to afford.

Sounds like her husband is an amazing man for doing everything on his own so far, but he needs help. Thanks for caring for your relative. Best wishes to all of you in finding some relief in this situation.

Re: Elderly fingernails

RedTop — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 21:57:10 GMT

My husband is 66 and a diabetic. His nails are NEVER cut, they are filed down with a special sander type of file. He goes to the VA every 6 weeks to get his toenails done, and he buys a certain type of salon nail file for his fingernails. His doctor stresses NO cutting.

Re: Elderly fingernails

151949 — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:55:56 GMT

@RedTop Yes, diabetics and the elderly should only have nails filed or cut by professionals. Even as nurses working in ICU we were not allowed to cut nails - we had to file them only or call the podiatrist.

Re: Elderly fingernails

BirkiLady — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 00:05:14 GMT

@151949 @Seannie @RedTop @juperier @sidsmom I'm diabetic and do clip my own nails and toenails. They have always been really strong and filing is not possible. As a child, mom couldn't work with them. Dad used to care for my nails! He'd even make sure the "half moons" were perfect. Using large clippers after a long soaking bath is the only way to soften them, then I use a file to gently shape and clean up any rough edges only. Takes just a couple of minutes. I do not have my nails done because our State does not regulate Manicures and Pedicures (technicians and procedures). Figured I was healthier doing it myself as a diabetic!

Re: Elderly fingernails

RedTop — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 01:29:28 GMT

@BirkiLady,

20 years of diabetes has advanced to peripheral artery disease with my husband. His circulatory system is not what it used to be; poor circulation in his legs and feet, and healing the slightest cut or scrape on his body requires a lot of attention.

Two years ago he had to have a skin cancer removed which resulted in a large wound on his back. We were overly cautious in keeping that wound clean and free of infection.

For him, it’s just not safe to cut his nails and risk any open wound that could get infected.

Re: Elderly fingernails

BirkiLady — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 01:46:50 GMT

@RedTopSorry to hear that; know how difficult it is. Also have neuropathy in feet and upper legs. Even my balance is effected in unfamiliar places! Others would think I was drunk. I'm not; just cannot feel where my feet at placed.

I have that coming up in August. Found something in my hair that didn't feel right. During my Medicare Physical my PCP said it was cancerous and made an appt. with a dermatologist for removal. First appt. was in late August with the best Dermatologist he could recommend! I wan't anxious until seeing these posts.

Trust my PCP 150% and know he's sending me to a really good Dermo. So, I'll have to trust this guy also! Sometimes it sucks to be single. Put on a big smile and wing the brave-thing! So far, it works.

Re: Elderly fingernails

BeccaLou — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 03:41:01 GMT

Maybe go on line and google maybe a special technique.